Medical specimen container

Abstract

A container for storing a histological sample comprises a container housing having an open top end and a bottom end defining a container interior. The container interior is configured to hold a fluid and receive the sample. A removable lid encloses the open top end. A container insert engages the container housing so as to substantially inhibit leaking of the fluid from the container. The insert includes an aperture configured to permit a sample holder containing the sample passage therethrough so as to enable depositing of the sample within the fluid in the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A container for storing a histological sample comprising:
 a container housing having an open top end and a bottom end defining a container interior configured to hold a fluid and receive the sample therein; 
 a removable lid for enclosing the open top end; and 
 a container insert defined by a top face, bottom face and continuous sidewall, the container insert fixedly secured within the container housing a spaced distance below the top end and a spaced distance above the bottom end of the container interior through an adhesive between the sidewall of the insert and an interior surface of the container housing 
 whereby the container insert is configured to remain engaged with the container housing upon removal of the removable lid, 
 the container insert including a resealable aperture configured to permit a biopsy forceps containing the sample passage therethrough, 
 wherein the container insert substantially inhibits leaking of the fluid from the container. 
 
     
     
       2. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the aperture is self-sealing. 
     
     
       3. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the insert is constructed of a resilient yet compressible material. 
     
     
       4. The container according to  claim 3  wherein the resilient yet compressible material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, silicone, nylon and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       5. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the container housing includes a label portion located on an exterior surface of the container housing above the bottom face of the container insert. 
     
     
       6. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the resealable aperture is formed by one or more slits extending from the top face to the bottom face of the insert. 
     
     
       7. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the resealable aperture includes a first indentation depending from either the top face or the bottom face. 
     
     
       8. The container according to  claim 7  wherein the resealable aperture includes a second indentation depending from the other of the top face or the bottom face, a sealable portion being located between the first and second indentations. 
     
     
       9. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the container further comprises a preloaded fluid within the container interior. 
     
     
       10. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the insert includes an anti-microbial agent impregnated therein. 
     
     
       11. The container according to  claim 1  wherein the insert and the aperture further include a surface coating comprising an anti-microbial agent. 
     
     
       12. The container according to  claim 1  further including a seal layer covering the open top end. 
     
     
       13. The container according to  claim 12  wherein the seal layer is peelable from the container. 
     
     
       14. The container according to  claim 12  wherein the seal layer is puncturable by the biopsy forceps. 
     
     
       15. A container for storing a histological sample comprising:
 a container housing having an open top end and a bottom end defining a container interior configured to hold a fluid and receive the sample therein; 
 a removable lid for enclosing the open top end; and 
 a container insert defined by a top face, bottom face and continuous sidewall, the container insert fixedly secured within the container housing above a fluid level of the fluid, the container insert including a resealable aperture configured to permit a sample holder containing the sample passage therethrough, the container insert further configured to include a resealable liquid-impermeable septum layer bonded to the top face of the container insert, 
 wherein the container insert substantially inhibits leaking of the fluid from the container. 
 
     
     
       16. The container according to  claim 15  wherein the container is further configured to hold a water layer between the resealable septum layer and the removable lid of the container. 
     
     
       17. The container according to  claim 15  wherein the resealable septum layer is comprised of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, silicone, one or more thermoplastic elastomers and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       18. A container for storing a histological sample comprising:
 a container housing having an open top end and a bottom end defining a container interior configured to hold a fluid and receive the sample therein; 
 a removable lid for enclosing the open top end; and 
 a container insert defined by a top face, bottom face and continuous sidewall, the container insert fixedly secured within the container housing a spaced distance below the top end and a spaced distance above the bottom end of the container interior through an adhesive between the sidewall of the insert and an interior surface of the container housing 
 whereby the container insert is configured to remain engaged with the container housing upon removal of the removable lid, 
 the container insert including an anti-microbial agent and a resealable aperture configured to permit a sample holder containing the sample passage therethrough, 
 wherein the container insert substantially inhibits leaking of the fluid from the container.